Summary

Memoir--Now Hemingway gives the reader the antithesis of the previous memoir, which detailed the behavior of an abject and inept matador. The bullfighter in this memoir is Villalta, a brilliant artist of a bullfighter, who gives the crowd a stunning display of the contest between man and animal.

Story--In the story "Cross-Country Snow," Hemingway returns to his alter-ego Nick Adams on a downhill skiing trip with his friend, George. Much of the story occupies itself with description of the exhilaration of the sport and the pure excitement and joy of speed on the ski hill. Partway down the hill, they stop at an inn and are served by a somewhat taciturn waitress, who is noticeably pregnant. When George comments upon the waitress' lack of cordiality, Nick defends her, saying she doesn't know them, probably thought they were going to tease her, and is dealing with the discomfort of...